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    Home » Side Dish » Classic Rice Pilaf

    Published: Aug 9, 2017 · Modified: Feb 8, 2021 by Lisa Johnson

    Classic Rice Pilaf

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    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    Classic Rice Pilaf in a large skillet

    This Classic Rice Pilaf is loaded with flavor and pairs perfectly with your favorite main dish whether it is poultry, fish, pork, or beef! I served mine with Orange Glazed Cornish Game Hens and the combination was amazing!

    This Classic Rice Pilaf is loaded with flavor and pairs perfectly with just about any main dish you are serving | cookingwithcurls.com

    There a a million different way to make Rice Pilaf. Some include orzo pasta, and some do not. Some have added spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or oregano. I based my Classic Rice Pilaf on the Near East Rice Pilaf that you can buy at the grocery store, which contains orzo....so mine contains orzo. Funny how that works, right?

    Classic Rice Pilaf, the perfect side dish | cookingwithcurls.com

    What you will need to make Rice Pilaf:

    • olive oil
    • unsalted butter
    • chopped yellow onion
    • minced, fresh garlic
    • long-grain white rice
    • uncooked orzo
    • heated chicken stock
    • a bit of cayenne pepper for flavor
    • Italian parsley to garnish

    How to make Classic Rice Pilaf:

    Heat the oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. When the butter is melted, add the chopped onion.

    Classic Rice Pilaf onions cookingwithcurls.com

    Cook, stirring occasionally until the onion is softened, about 6 to 7 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for one minute.

    Add the rice and orzo to the skillet. Stir to combine with the onion mixture.

    Classic Rice Pilaf toast cookingwithcurls.com

    Continue cooking and stirring until the rice is toasted/golden brown.

    Pour in the heated chicken stock and add the cayenne pepper.

    Classic Rice Pilaf stock cookingwithcurls.com

    Stir, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover the skillet and simmer for 20 to 25 minutes.

    Remove from heat and fluff rice with a fork.

    Classic Rice Pilaf fluff cookingwithcurls.com

    Stir in the parsley, season with salt and pepper, and serve.

    Jazz up date night with these delicious Orange Glazed Cornish Game Hens served on a bed of Rice Pilaf | cookingwithcurls.com

    The cayenne pepper adds just a touch of heat to cut the richness of the chicken stock and butter. All in all, this Classic Rice Pilaf is the perfect side dish!

    Recipe Notes:

    • I can't think of any, this rice is so simple to prepare, lol

    More delicious rice recipes:

    • Instant Pot Spanish Rice
    • Simple Steamed Rice
    • Instant Pot Yellow Mediterranean Rice

    Enjoy!!

    This Classic Rice Pilaf is loaded with flavor and pairs perfectly with just about any main dish you are serving | cookingwithcurls.com

    Classic Rice Pilaf

    This Classic Rice Pilaf is loaded with flavor and pairs perfectly with your favorite main dish whether it is poultry, fish, pork, or beef! 
    4 from 3 votes
    Print Rate
    Course: Side Dish
    Cuisine: Middle Eastern
    Keyword: classic rice recipe
    Prep Time: 10 minutes
    Cook Time: 45 minutes
    Total Time: 55 minutes
    Servings: 6
    Calories: 284kcal
    Author: Lisa Johnson

    Equipment

    • Skillet

    Ingredients

    • 2 tablespoons olive oil
    • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
    • .5 cup chopped yellow onion
    • 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
    • 1 cup long-grain white rice
    • .5 cup uncooked orzo
    • 3 cups heated chicken stock
    • .17 teaspoon cayenne pepper 1/8 teaspoon
    • 2 tablespoons chopped Italian parsley
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    Instructions

    • Heat the oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. When the butter is melted, add the chopped onion. Cook, stirring occasionally until the onion is softened, about 6 to 7 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for one minute.
    • Add the rice and orzo to the skillet. Stir to combine with the onion mixture. Continue cooking and stirring until the rice is toasted/golden brown.
    • Pour in the heated chicken stock and add the cayenne pepper.
    • Stir, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover the skillet and simmer for 20 to 25 minutes.
    • Remove from heat and fluff rice with a fork. Stir in the parsley, season with salt and pepper, and serve.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 284kcal | Carbohydrates: 40g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 14mg | Sodium: 176mg | Potassium: 221mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 233IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 23mg | Iron: 1mg
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    Hi, I'm Lisa - Welcome to my kitchen! I have a passion for good food and love sharing my creations with friends, family and everyone that loves a homecooked meal. This is where I share my favorite recipes with step-by-step instructions as well as tips and tricks to help you make these delicious recipes in your home.

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